Committee member previews three bills on home-improvement fraud, Social Security taxation and survivor benefits

A member of the Senate Judiciary told colleagues on Jan. 6 that he had filed three bills he expects to pursue this session: one aimed at home-improvement or land fraud, a second proposing elimination of state taxation on Social Security, and a third proposing expanded survivor benefits for law enforcement and emergency personnel.

"Personally speaking, I have put in 3 bills," the committee member said. On the home-improvement/land fraud proposal, he said courts have reached inconsistent results under current law and that the legislation aims to clarify the boundary between civil and criminal remedies so victims can seek accountability.

On the Social Security proposal, the member framed it as a way to preserve income for the state's aging population but said he did not yet have a fiscal analysis. "I don't have the the fiscal law as of yet," he said.

On survivor benefits, the member referenced a House bill he said would allow up to $80,000 from an existing fund administered through the treasurer's office for surviving families of fallen law enforcement and emergency personnel. "I believe it's up to $80,000 through the treasurer's office," he said.

The member cited recent local incidents in Milton and St. Johnsbury as motivating the survivor-benefits work. He also said housing affordability and other long-term issues remain priorities but did not offer bill text or formal motions during this meeting.

No committee votes or formal referrals were taken on these items at the Jan. 6 organizational meeting; members were advised to expect bill files and to coordinate cosponsor efforts as bills are released.